The Overseas Ministry stated on Saturday that the USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109) intercepted the boat on Friday whereas it carried 9 “humble” and “innocent” fishermen.
President Nicolás Maduro responded by ordering the deployment of troops, police and civilian militias to 284 places, reinforcing earlier navy buildups alongside the Colombian border.
“We’re prepared for an armed struggle, if it’s obligatory,” Maduro stated in a speech in Ciudad Caribia, vowing to defend Venezuela’s waters.
The US has elevated its personal presence within the southern Caribbean, sending warships and deploying 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico.
Final month, Washington doubled its reward for data resulting in Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, citing alleged drug trafficking ties — accusations Venezuela rejects, insisting it isn’t a drug-producing nation.